How Fast Does a Horse Run?
Horses are beautiful animals revered for their speed, strength and endurance. They are amazing creatures with excellent balance and agility. There are several kinds of horses that come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The physical characteristics of a breed can affect the speed, agility and stamina of the horse.
Features
Horses are hoofed mammals that are anatomically designed for speed. Thoroughbreds and quarter horses are two types that are specifically bred for speed. Thoroughbreds are distance runners, clocking speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour. quarter horses are shorter and more muscular than thoroughbreds. They are bred for running short distances at speeds of about 50 miles per hour.
Significance
Although all breeds have a similar anatomy, there are slightly different characteristics that can affect overall speed and endurance. Thoroughbreds tend to have a lean body with a short back and long legs, which makes them well-suited for speed and distance. The knee joints of horses are equivalent to a human wrist, allowing for greater flexibility. The hooves are tough and resilient. Breeds that are used for racing, such as thoroughbreds, are more prone to injuries that may lead to permanent disability or even death.
Considerations
Horses are herbivores. Their digestion is adapted to forage of grass and plant matter. Horses have very sensitive digestive systems. Unlike humans, they are unable to vomit. Ingesting certain substances or even too much food or water too quickly can cause serious conditions in horses that could even be fatal. Although they have sensitive digestive systems, horses also have strong abdominal and back muscles that aid in their speed, balance and agility. Horses can sleep standing or lying down although they must lie down to enter into REM (the state of sleep in which dreams occur and brain activity increases) sleep. One to two hours of REM sleep can be sufficient for horses but to sleep only in a standing position for a couple of days could lead to sleep deprivation.
Benefits
Horses have the largest eyes of any land animal. They have the ability to use both monocular and binocular vision, meaning they can see with one eye or two. A horse can use its monocular vision to observe the width of it visual field while using its binocular vision for better depth perception. Monocular vision allows the horse to see scenes to each side of it without having to turn its head. Horses have good hearing as well as vision. The average lifespan of a horse is 25 to 30 years, although they have been known to live longer. Mares have a gestation period of 11 months. A foal can stand, walk and run shortly after birth.
Types
Horses have four basic gaits, referred to as a walk, trot, canter and gallop. The average speeds for each of the basic gaits are: Walk--3 to 4 mph; Trot--8 to 10 mph; Canter--10 to 17 mph and Gallop--25 to 30 mph. The top speed of most horses is considered to be around 45 miles per hour, although some racehorses have been known to exceed this speed.
Potential
Secretariat and Artax are two of the most notable racehorses, recognized for their incredible speed and top notch performance. Artax, also known as the Speed King, ran 7 furlongs in 1 minute and 20 seconds flat. He has been called the fastest horse in the world. Secretariat was one of the greatest race horses of all time. He claimed the Triple Crown in 1973. He held the world record time for the 1 ½ mile distance of 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Secretariat sired 41 stake winners. He came down with a painful condition of the hooves at the age of 19 and was euthanized after his condition continued to deteriorate.
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